Hello and question

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algreach
algreach Member Posts: 55
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I was diagnosed with lymphedema in mid-February and am now in the process of trying to get the swelling under control with PT sessions, MLD, and compression. Not happy, but I know I could be worse off. My swelling is mild, (mostly in the thumb and wrist, along with a bit of truncal in the armpit) but my mom (who passed away in 2006, after fighting off 2 breast cancers and lung cancer) had Stage 4+ swelling that was never brought under control. I'm hoping for better results. :-)

My question is this: I'm scheduled for a prophy left mx, which I arranged before my lymphedema diagnosis. My surgeon will be doing a simple mx, no lymph nodes (not even a sentinel). based on what you ladies have experienced, is there a chance this surgery will make my current lympdema worse? My decision to get the mx was based on my family BC history (momx2 + sister + me), but I want to understand all risks before I go ahead.

Thanks!

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011

    Algreach, while there are women on this forum who have gotten LE on their prophylactic mx side, you are being incredibly pro-active, already in therapy for your other side and you can work with your therapist to minimize the risk and help you get through the post op period.

    Yes, LE is a risk, but breast cancer is the much more serious risk and you can--and are-- managing your LE.

    Kira

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  • algreach
    algreach Member Posts: 55
    edited March 2011

    Thanks for the feedback, Kira. Much appreciated. I think I'm just getting nervous as my surgery date approaches. :-)

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011

    algreach, Understandable that you're concerned: I had a total meltdown over a D&C last week--I think once we've had a bc diagnosis and treatment, there's an element of PTSD when we get treatment.

    Hope all goes well, you recovery is smooth, and one post-op suggestion: there is evidence that post-op seroma's can contribute to LE. Now, you're not going to have any axillary surgery (yeah!) but we've been seeing articles that limiting the use of the arm on the surgical side--don't reach over your shoulder height for a week, helps prevent seroma formation--it's more relevant to women who have axillary surgery, but please don't try and move mountains post-op.

    Kira

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  • algreach
    algreach Member Posts: 55
    edited March 2011

    Thanks for that piece of info, Kira! I hadn't heard that.I'll be sure to take care.

    Hope you're feeling fine now that the D&C (never fun) is in the past.

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